The Hunger Games: Rehab and Plastic Surgery | Dear Hollywood Episode 6

TW: Eating Disorders. Alyson shares the audition process that landed them in rehab, along with the intense journey of recovery, therapy sessions, and what happened immediately after returning to Hollywood. They discuss undergoing plastic surgery and body modification while experiencing deep inner conflict, and the way it ultimately changed their career trajectory and relationships.
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Video filmed and edited by: Crispy Chicken / crispychickenco
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About Alyson Stoner:
Alyson Stoner is a multi-hyphenate known for their on-screen acting work in franchises such as Step Up and Camp Rock to dancing with the likes of Missy Elliot and Eminem and now their original digital content across all her platforms. Alyson is also the founder of Movement Genius, a digital wellness platform that provides live and on-demand classes to help you improve your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

[@Justinm1700]

The fact you thought you weren’t a well-known actor after rehab is mind-boggling. Us millennials and gen-z always knew who you were. ❤️

[@Thatgenderconfused3mo]

I remember always wondering what happened to Alyson bc they’re one of my favorite actors I just felt so seen with all the tomboy roles they played😭

[@oooh19]

They’re?

[@Thatgenderconfused3mo]

@@oooh19 Alyson goes by they/them pronouns🙂 if that was a response to me

[@sjg5994]

​@@Thatgenderconfused3moShe does seriously?

[@Thatgenderconfused3mo]

@@sjg5994 they do! It’s in their insta bio and everything☺️

[@hippygirl1386]

I don't know if this is a controversial take but the more and more I watch the more and more I feel justified in believing that children shouldn't be celebrities

[@teganflyman5352]

Yup

[@hornetsandsweetsurprises]

This is my favorite project you've ever been in. I grew up watching everything you were in, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Suite Life, Camp Rock, and everything in between. And this is by far the most important thing you've ever done. Thank you for talking about this issue in such a delicate, tactful, authentic, soft way. Everyone needs to see this. Every girl that has ever struggled with body issues needs to see this, inside and out of the industry. You're so brave for this, and you're beautiful inside and out.

[@eajaros]

I think they identify as they/them and not a girl so really it’s even better because it applies to ALL genders.

[@MargarethWattsofficialma5y]

Same! You're my hero 🥹🌹♥️✨🙏🏼

[@amandayoungs8987]

You summed it up perfectly. I couldn’t agree more! ❤

[@alexmiller8177]

My child was getting selected and were being pushed to present him, then these videos came out. Ty so much, we've made the choice at this time to hide him from the industry.

[@nkiehnle]

THIS! I remember you from some tv shows and obviously Cheaper by the Dozen, but your work NOW, what you've been doing for the past few years, has blown my mind. I've shared your videos with my nieces, I listen to your podcast, honestly, your insights and analysis and vulnerability of what you went through, is a much BIGGER and GREATER example for me than if you had won an Oscar. I don't doubt that winning recognition for being an actor is great, but thank you for doing what you're doing. You're changing lifes.

[@DahCraic321]

This series is so necessary for society omg the parents of the "social media" generation need to use this series as a cautionary tale.

[@gavinspake4584]

As a 37 yr old man but still kid inside -- you inspired so many of us just being you. Thank you for being an amazing graceful and non perfect human! We love you

[@adrianaavila5230]

True, I felt very connected to her on her characters. With her natural beauty I felt I didn't need to be "perfect" either to be pretty. And no matter the plastic surgery, she is still that same person.

[@nekia_therapist_coach]

As a result of watching your series, along with watching other series about mommy/family blogging, I have found myself limiting content I consume that involve children. Thank you for the courage of sharing your true story so we can have a better appreciation of the people, especially children we watch for consumption and how it affects the humans that are performing. Btw, I'm a 90's kid so I am most familiar with you from Missy Elliot videos and am so grateful to see how beautifully you have grown both inside and out.

[@pimpking5000]

Adults truly are big kids. The younger selfs never leave. That's why some seemingly childish things bring us so much joy as adults. It's not just nostalgia. Life is a balance. Be a child at heart with the wisdom of an old soul. Treat yourself to the things that make you happy as a child would but use the wisdom to moderate and stabilize

[@SarahM-kp6ic]

I still can't get over the fact that she has never attended an ivy league, let alone community college. She speaks so eloquently, factually, and intellectually that her her voice draws you in to her experiences and makes it easy to empathize and sympathize her with her. Her honesty is candid and is something that is beyond rare - not only in life, but especially Hollywood. Alyson - your voice is heard among your listeners and I hope you don't lose it. You're inspiring so many people and touching more hearts than you could ever imagine.

[@despairnephilim]

I love the fact the surgeon was straight with you and not just accepting the surgery. You are beautiful Alison, and very strong. Not just for how open you are in this documentary but sharing your personal story. I appreciate you sharing this with us and your story. Much love to you! ❤️

[@skyywriting]

You were one of my favorite actors growing up. We were the same age, almost looked similar, and I'd always felt like the "side-character" to more attractive and successful friends. This series has been so amazing to see how you've grown into such a mature young adult. Can't wait for more of these! This series is sorely underrated!

[@LuciaTepperBeauty]

Not sure if you'll see this but you releasing this (specifically episode 5) has given me such a powerful tool to heal from being on the viewers side of the beauty standards trauma. I've started to realize as celebrities come out with their stories that the beauty standard I got sick trying to achieve was all just a lie. You were just the same girls, just like me, but having to perpetuate the cycle of toxic and dangerous standards. It was all just smokes and mirrors, for all of us. It wasn't achievable- the people that I thought were effortlessly achieving such standards were actually dying, like I would later be in order to meet said standards. This podcast is helping people heal their own childhood selves.Thank you!

[@belindaw]

I was very close to being cast in the role in The Piano that won Anna Paquin the Oscar. After 6 months of auditions and being down to the final 3, it was devastating to not get the role, but in hindsight, it was so good for me. I was a child who loved being in the spotlight, and I definitely would have embraced everything that Hollywood offered. As an adult, I would not be able to cope with fame. I like to be alone sometimes, unnoticed, and free to do what I want without judgement. I admire your ability to step away and reflect on it all in such a thoughtful and deep way.

[@uhohstinky5850]

Doubt it

[@belindaw]

@@uhohstinky5850 it would be very strange to lie about NOT getting a part... 🤨

[@thatvalensteingirl]

​@@belindawYou're an anonymous person on the internet hiding behind a username and no profile photo of your face-- it's not unheard of to lie. A relatable story on a sensitive topic, no less. Especially for validation, social credit, "clout" or any form of attention

[@selfexpressedbabe]

How my perception of you has changed from this episode: I’m in awe of your strength, vulnerability and the way you articulate your values and the experience you’ve had from a very human and non-judgmental way ❤

[@CaitlinH-dv4eu]

I could listen to Alyson talk for hours - she is so well spoken. I wish the episodes were longer or we got more than one episode a week. At the same time, I completely understand the shorter length really allows viewer to take in the information and not everyone has a free hour to listen to something, but almost everyone can dedicate 20ish minutes to topics that are this important. Thank you for the time, effort, and care you put in to these episodes. I’m really grateful for the work you are doing 💕

[@Scooby_Snax]

I am proud of you in the way one human can be proud of another. And not because of your fame, but because of the internal work you've done. And I can appreciate the depth of your journey and how you've decided to be selfless in your sharing and vulnerability. It takes a lot of strength. I think these small segments will have a huge impact on many people. I can see how much you care, not just for yourself and peers, but for your fellow humans. You radiate kindness and it carries straight through to our hearts and minds. Thank you for being so open and honest.

[@CraftyMagicDollz]

Growing up a "tomboy", sporty "side character"- you were always a major person with fame that i looked up to. But now, i can honestly say that at 41 that's changed entirely. Now I'm in absolute AWE of you, for what you've been able to do with this series (especially after having to restart entirely!). You're a freaking rock star and so much cooler than you were just from being a great dancer or a funny "tom boy" in the only movie my dad ever took me to see (cheaper by the dozen!). This series is fantastic. I'm glad you can breathe through your nose and I'm so glad you are able to be real with yourself and establish a healthy relationship with food and exercise because you have certainly worked hard enough to have earned all the success in the world. This podcast is phenomenal and I've shared it with literally everyone i can think of over the last few weeks.

[@romantasyspacekace]

you’re brain is cool. the way you express yourself and explain your experience, thoughts and observations is clear, and relatable- even to those of us who were never involved in the industry. you’re not only deconstructing the hollywood experience- your deconstructing all of us who experienced similar things in our child hood and are trying to heal from them. thank you my friend. i look forward to this every week :) ❤

[@CraftyMagicDollz]

Agreed. I love how articulate she is. I love her thoughts and ideas and how she's organized this to make the messages so clear and easy to relate to despite our lives being so very different.

[@nassin13s]

I couldnt agree more with these 2 comments. Its amazing how we all felt the same thing. It baffles me

[@abrielle13]

I did Equine Therapy as a teen. Horses are just so majestic. There was just something so healing about being around such large powerful animals. I was around Horses a lot of my childhood but that was the first time they were used as a therapeutic tool. Highly recommend.

[@silverxXxlining]

I vote that labor laws apply to ALL children in American. No child under 14 should work. Not in tvs, movies, Broadway, music, nothing. Until someone is old enough to have a checking account and logical thinking they should not be allowed to make money. Child performers are being pimped out for the benefit of making ADULTS rich. And I'm sick of it. I would be so so happy if I never saw a child on screen ever again. Child labor laws should apply to all children. For any industry. They are just children. And that's all they need to be.

[@Esterferreiradecastro]

The appearance trauma still hits home very hard for almost all women i would believe, being in the industry or not all of us want to go under the knife for one reason or another

[@samswogger3632]

I think “now is not forever” is something i needed to hear.

[@eileensnow6153]

Feelings are temporary. They’re also liars and they want you to feel like they’re forever, but they’re not.

[@ZoraTheberge]

Your honesty is inspiring. A nosejob is a logical conclusion to someone in your circumstance.

[@MalloryNewcomb]

In a way I can see that. It sounded like she got to a point of accepting this was what she wanted for her career but was lucky enough to find a doctor who went about it the right way.

[@itsschank]

Thank you so much for being so open with your audience. I know this will help at least one person out there ❤

[@heg203]

I’m a recovering child actor and this series is soooo helpful to me.

[@itsschank]

​@@heg203 I wish you all the best ❤

[@beringela9136]

I think the fact that I couldn’t even tell that she had surgery just shows how viciously Hollywood scrutinizes children’s faces.

[@Orange_creamsicle]

As someone who worked at a eating disorder facility, I am happy to hear you choose treatment, over career momentum. It is so easy to ignore our needs, but the more we ignore it, the more and more it impacts us.

[@pinkfeet518]

i was obsessed with the idea of a nose job since i believe 11 years old? i finally had mine done at 23 after years and years of research. my surgeon sounds like how yours was. he didn’t believe in the 3D before and afters and kept reiterating that i was beautiful and fixing my septum would alter the shape. it’s been a mental rollercoaster since. good days, bad days, swollen nose days, perfect nose days, yada yada. my quality of life has increased by 1000%

[@keithgrachow2526]

I'm almost a 50 year old male and you talking about body dysmorphia sheds a light on how I view my own body dysmorphia. Thank you for sharing this and making me feel less alone about the negativity in how we view our bodies.

[@andiotrebac6583]

Omg! I could actually see her as clove

[@NaraAneAmbroso-wg4zo]

Hi Alyson! I did a nose job for the same reasons as you and happen the same - an older male doctor honored my wishes but very lightly and I went through crisis in the recovery period but after I perceived how great was my decision and I wanna thank you for your vulnerability and the openness to tell us what really is fame as a star kid - the culture romanticized a lot what is but now I can see nothing is just flowers. Thank you very much and a big hug from Brazil 🇧🇷❤️

[@Vivichu_]

It really saddens me that people picked you apart so hatefully and didn’t see your beauty. Thank you for being so vulnerable and open, and thank you for sharing. Keep up the amazing work, you are making such an impact!

[@kaylamp11]

Honestly I have so much respect for you as a human & artist . Hollywood effects everyone , it’s horrible how it effects those who are raised and live in the hectic life of it . I just want to thank you for sharing all of this so far and I’m looking forward to listening and learning more 🖤

[@annaschechter6034]

I appreciate how you've created an interactive experience with these episodes, where you call on us listeners/viewers to think, reflect, and check in with ourselves - how we're sitting with the topic at hand/what judgements or connections might crop up in our minds. These check ins allow me to notice my own thoughts very naturally, making this series a more mindful experience than some mindfulness meditation podcasts are - in my view! Thank you for another rigorous and candid discussion :)

[@carolinamurtha3102]

It’s crazy how much our own distortion clouds any good we could possibly hold. I struggle with bulimia (25+ year battle) and I’ve done outpatient, hospital, therapy, psychiatrist, nutritionists, etc to try and get a grip and stay on the good path. Somewhere is this, my childhood bestie, who was much tinier and I felt like she had the perfect body, told me how much she wished she had my skin. She said “if I had you skin, I wouldn’t care what I weighed, I would where whatever I wanted.” Because she struggles with acne. She had blemishes on her back, neck, chest, that chicken skin (on) on her arms and all over her face. I never noticed I had clear skin. I’ve always been so focused on how big I was getting i never thought there was anything to envy about me. I’ve been told that several more times over the years and I’m grateful that acne was never something I struggled wit, I appreciate my clear skin now. But honestly, I never noticed that I had this. What did it matter to me if I had clear skin when I was too big? So sad.

[@ubermut1379]

Listening to you just kind of confirms my suspicions about Hollywood. Some young actors are unrecognisable now compared to their younger selves, and I wonder how hard it was for them to go under the knife several times. It’s also interesting to hear you describe how hard your nose job was, even as it was rather conservative, when it seems like everyone in Hollywood had one. Considering how many actors get one, it almost feels like „well is this really THAT major?“. Yet it still is a serious procedure. It also makes me think about how we treat beauty. We praise (sometimes only seemingly) natural beauty. How wonderful, that they didn’t feel the need to change anything about themselves. Yet the distribution of beauty, similarly to intelligence, is anything but fair, it’s unpredictable and random. Beautiful people did nothing to deserve their initial beauty (although money, even without surgery, can certainly support it via dermatology and expensive cosmetics). In that light, plastic surgery almost turns into some kind of equaliser. Finally you can get a lead role as well! Like you always knew you could! But it’s still unequal, since not everyone can afford plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments. But I can’t blame anyone who has felt the pressure to look younger or more attractive who does this. Everyone should be able to feel good about themselves. I don’t want anyone to suffer just because they feel like their nose is wrong. So yeah, while I feel like plastic surgery definitely deserves to be examined critically, it is by no means as evil or shameful as it is sometimes made out to be. Just like most things in life, it’s neither fully good nor bad.

[@LynnisaMysteryprofile]

You were actually one of my favorite actresses growing up bc as someone not leading lady pretty who KNEW that at like 8 or 9, seeing you on camera was a comfort to me bc to me you were normal. You were just a real person who acted in some of my favorite works and were on every commercial break teaching me something new. And to me, I still see that person as an adult and I LOVE that. Thank you for being vulnerable because 20 years later you’re still a comfort for me to see.

[@daunmorse9825]

I think you are more beautiful than any of those other actors that you named. I can't believe ppl called you ugly. You are beauty and brains. You inspire me.

[@karinamaloney1033]

Your story is touching me like you couldnt imagine. I was fortunate not to grow up with a camera around me, but in the looks department I'm a lot like your pre op self. I'm 33, and for the most part, I've been able to integrate how I look compared to others. Im pretty fit for my age, but the circumstances of the world make it so that my focus is primarily survival, not looks. I have a male friend who felt like a soulmate, and a safe space, and after a long of knowing him, I came forward and expressed direct romantic intent. He told me that I was not his physical standard and he wished it was so. This man is not out of my league look wise or age wise, but I was so surprised to find out that he couldn't meet me on that level. It was a huge strike to my self esteem. I dont think I can be friends anymore, because my love would continue to be unrequited. I've thought about plastic before. I've thought how it would balance out my slightly asymmetrical bodily build and fat storage. This video gives me hope, that no matter what I decide, I am beautiful, and if the average men of the world have started to expect standards that are difficult to meet, it's just a symptom of a bigger problem. Thank you, you are, were, and will be beautiful forever.

[@redblaquegolden]

I remember you from Mike's Super Short Show when I was a kid. I remember thinking at the time, "god i wish I was that talented girl on the screen." I see now how wrong that wish was. I am so sorry that all of this happened to you. I appreciate the work you are doing here.

[@Allison_White]

I am 43 yrs old. I spent several years in my early to mid teens (13-16yrs old) trying to get into the industry. I grew up in Dallas, TX, & took my first acting 🎭 class at 13 yrs old. Unfortunately, I was already “dealing” with some health issues & doctors told me I needed to give up playing sports, which was my only outlet. The only thing that felt like it was mine. After being put on an Antidepressant at 12 yrs old, my mom saw an ad for a local TV & Film focused Acting school & encouraged me to give it a try. I was an introvert & without sports, I was a depressed introvert without an outlet. My first acting class was painful, because I was shy & very self conscious. Maybe it was the sports lover in me or maybe it was the undealt with childhood trauma in me, but I committed to “push pass the pain” every Saturday for Acting class. And I did. It took about 4-6 months to not feel like I was going to throw up before or during class. To this very day, I can still remember the high I felt the first time I lost myself in a scene & in a character. I can still feel the butterflies & feeling of awe when I made a room full of the older advanced level teens laugh at something I did in a scene or skit. I think the best “wow” moment I had was at 14, I was allowed to fill in for an absent student for a partner scene for a “Hollywood Showcase.” (A few times a year, Hollywood agents would make a trip to our acting studio & sometimes sign a student that weekend.) This particular 2 student scene was a dark & it involved my character telling her friend that she had been raped. I left my body for the length of this scene & when I flew back into my body when the scene wrapped, I looked up at a very quiet studio full of my peers & best teachers. Everyone was crying. I couldn’t believe I brought through something that moved one of the toughest acting teachers to tears. I was hooked. For several years, I nearly lived at my Acting Studio. I got signed by a local older well known agent, & from 14 - 16 my life revolved around auditions. I booked a few commercials during that time, & even had my first kiss on screen for a commercial. And at the time, I did feel more confident than I ever had in my life. The problem was…. I was always acting. It turns out… that is probably one reason I excelled in acting, I had been disassociating from my body since early childhood due to trauma that I am only NOW (at 43 yrs old) truly working through. I am grateful for my brief years & memories of acting, but I am also, super grateful that I didn’t somehow “make it” to Hollywood. I don’t know if I would have survived it. Alyson, my name is also Allison, and I want you to know how impressed and inspired I am by your work, your heart, your authenticity, intellect, & honesty. The courage it takes to not only work your own recovery ❤️‍🩹 is more than so many understand, but to also share your journey publicly, wow! I find myself teary eyed with gratitude & respect for you. Please keep it up! I feel, The world needs your light & work more than ever before. Lastly, I look forward to your next chapter/ segment regarding your nervous system, as I am currently neck deep in learning all about Polyvagal Theory & healing my central nervous system. Much love & light.

[@TheAriannajojo]

Was waiting for this!! I love this series so much and respect your vulnerability. Thank you!!

[@ThomasAuseuga]

Love this. You're shining! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@Justauri-asdfghjkl]

Thank you for your honesty it is so refreshing

[@Collectingillusions]

You’re doing great, and thank you for sharing!!!

[@Spoiledbabe1011]

We are proud of you, Alyson! Thank you for sharing so much with us

[@lukenatewilson989]

I’m so proud of you for sharing, Allyson!

[@rachelgaughan99]

I look forward to this every week - your storytelling is so good and your tone is so calming ♡

[@alisonchang76]

Alyson! My school was at that camp that camp rock was filmed at and I remember being so excited that stars were going to be there! I remember seeing you get out of a truck and say a very polite 'hello' as you passed by and how kind you seemed. I never forgot that moment and have continued to watch your journey as an artist (being one myself) and how much empathy and kindness you have, even still through it all! This is such a brave and beautiful story that you're sharing, and the light that you're radiating is utterly beautiful.

[@destinyhope2891]

I look forward to this every week!

[@garrys248]

Thank you for sharing your story Alyson! Such courage and integrity ❤

[@sierramiller5226]

you speak with such grace and strength - thank you for sharing this ❤️

[@yamisanchez4106]

Thank you for your honesty. ❤

[@KarterC]

I just love listening to you speak. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sincerely.

[@MyMyMeyer]

This was beautiful. Thank you.

[@aestheticsubliminals5729]

You are so articulate! Love the series :)

[@user-om9yu2ef9t]

I'm so proud of you and get goosebumps hearing your story, because this work, is powerful.

[@dannyjuarez4256]

Love you girl! Thank you for being vulnerable with us. Keep up the good work. One day at a time.

[@jcarr8377]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly beautiful inside and out.

[@kcanmllvr4evr]

Every episode, there have been moments I get chills. The introspection is beautiful and the way you present everything with such grace is stunning. Thank you for doing this project.

[@healinganhaitian1507]

When I re-watch these videos, I can literally feel the wave of change they are causing, and the change that will come and remain for years after, and that's incredible. I am in awe of, and honored by your bravery. Thank you for your work.

[@SammPreston]

This is so important! Thank you for sharing your heart and for the openness and vulnerability. I truly adore you even more for this!

[@amandaqueen4719]

I appreciate your strength. Thank you for sharing your truth. I'm sending a great big mom hug for you.

[@MoKi1023]

So happy you persisted and continue to share your story that will help sooo many of us. Thank you!

[@somebodythatiusetoknow2027]

So well spoken and brave about your experiences ❤

[@rebeccamichelturner]

This series is so good. I appreciate how much thought and sensitivity you approach these topics with

[@caro.statt.streifen6443]

thank you for your openess with your inner and outer struggles. it is beautiful to hear someone talk about those kind of struggles so calm open und truthful. you did it for yourself, and if it brought you just a tiny teensy bit more control and homeness in your own body it was worth it and nobody should be able to judge you for it

[@youthnation5311]

Seeking help and healing is truly so difficult and i want to acknowledge that you should be so proud of yourself for doing that. as i have also have had encounters with rehab and addiction. We find strength in eachother and pull up those who need help. Thank you for sharing.

[@vianneycortes3367]

WHEN I TELL YOU THIS MAKES ME SO EXCITED EVERY TIME YOU UPLOAD YOUR NEW EPISODE ❤ thank you for sharing

[@12345cisumevoli]

Thank you so much, Alyson. The world needs to hear this.

[@queenofdaydreams3825]

Thank you for sharing your story 🧡

[@user-pu8if4wd1s]

Thank you for this amazing podcast! I truly respect what you're doing here! I can't wait to continue watching this series.

[@ghostguru9156]

You are such a strong human being. I was always so excited when I saw you on screen growing up and was sad when I didn’t see you in more things but knowing all I know now- I’m so proud of you and also so happy you put your health first in terms of rehab and getting better. You’re a beautiful person and this series proves and shows your strength and resilience so much 🖤🖤

[@callmespammie]

thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing this with us. the information you shared about your plastic surgery is something I've been searching for and haven't found elsewhere since I had plastic surgery of my own in July for medical reasons. it's comforting and reassuring to know I'm not alone. you are so strong and so resilient and incredibly intelligent and sincere. I truly respect you and all that you're doing to put this knowledge out there. the world needs more of this authentic representation and advocacy. thank you 🙏

[@joelbowyer]

I made it to this episode late, but I just want you to know that you are a BEAUTIFUL soul!! Inside, out, and forever on. Each installment in this series just further pushes the bounds and your transparency is so damn admirable. Thank you for sharing this episode especially.. these heavy topics are really hard to talk about with loved ones, let alone the WORLD. But here you are, offering your experiences to change the industry forever. They started by turning you into a “product” .. now here you are letting the world know you’re taking your individualism back. Keep pulling back the veil that Hollywood has carefully curated, keep making waves. Couldn’t be more proud.. Keep on girlie 🖤

[@XoDanielleFaith]

The vulnerability you shared in this is beautiful. I appreciate you. The way you speak so eloquently about Hollywood and I appreciate it. I'm an LA native and even as a regular person in the city, and I'm excited to see what you share about the nervous system because it's amazing how people think of it as the mind or body but fail to recognize trauma is rooted in the nervous system at a molecular level.

[@TannerHowe]

I relate to this a lot, thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@JfamilyShoppe]

Im so happy that you've decided to do this series. It was so much needed and you are the perfect person to do it. I love your voice its so calming but also keeps me interested. Thank you

[@fonnireed]

Thank you so much for being vulnerable and telling us your truth. You’re great, and beautiful on the inside and outside.

[@georgiaberg8298]

I don't want this to sound invalidating to your body image struggles but as 99 baby who grew up knowing you from your shows and movies, I have always thought you were so beautiful! I wanted your body shape rather than my own curves and isn't it interesting how we take on different ideas of what it means to be beautiful? This series has been so lovely and thought provoking🤎🤎

[@reniecoffey]

Oh I'm definitely rushing to my friend and sending her this video... to gush about how well spoken and incredible your story is. And how brave (not to mention smart) you are for making the choices you did. Putting yourself into rehab takes a lot of strength especially with how you were intrenched in some extremely toxic mentalities

[@LadySaundra]

I am really enjoying your videos, and honesty. I just came from hearing the audio of Jeanette McCurdy’s book “I’m glad my mom died”. I feel like I’m hearing another book looking into the lives of what you all have been through. I believe that most, if not everyone here is here to support you and your journey!

[@Jo.Jo.222]

Just as an encouragement, growing up as a competitive dancer, I looked up to you and your style. I always thought you were amazing. :) And thank you for sharing! I can relate in so many levels, to surgery, to the performance world… and I thank you for your honesty and bravery. You’re shining the light on areas that need to be talked about, and you’re probably encouraging a lot of people through being real and even talking about your process!

[@mushroomsdie]

I enjoy you in all the years of my childhood in the 90s-23! You had the spirit that went far.

[@miranda13c]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Your words have helped me in many ways over the past few years. Amazing person. ❤

[@kristin.n.spencer]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are brave, strong, and self-aware. I'm so proud of you.

[@mandystewart3233]

Thank you so much for your bravery in sharing your truth with us. I’m so glad you were able to recognise that you needed help and seek treatment and create some healthy boundaries in order for you to get better. I’m from a small country at the bottom of the world called New Zealand and growing up watching movies you were in with my friends and from there we would keep an eye out for anything and everything you were in.

[@Contractorlove]

Wow, this is amazing. Your honesty is incredible and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this! I can truly relate even though my mental issues and experiences are different, I feel seen and we are not alone.

[@abigailfoster2543]

You have always been a star in my eyes!! I grew up with you watching everything you did! Cheaper by the dozen and Zach and Cody were my favorites! Max was actually one of my first childhood crushes! 🤣 thank you so much for being open and vulnerable with us and sharing your experience!! You will always have my support!!!!

[@mariabarrios7021]

Thank you for sharing your experience. You were truly an icon and I loved every single character I saw you playing, I wasn't an athletic type of girl but I can relate with your struggles when it comes to your appearance and how cruel people are, can't imagine how overwhelming it must be when so many people are constantly criticizing every single thing of you the way stars like you have dealt with. I am glad that things have improved for you and I am sure sharing this with others have at least helped other people realize how hard the reality of being in the industry is for actresses and actors.

[@marianaamoedo5942]

How you managed to keep so articulate and insightful through your experiences is admirable.

[@BerkeleyStocking-yk6wl]

Thank you for being vulnerable and willing to describe your experience so intimately. I grew up watching you on Disney and in various other roles and it breaks my heart to hear how much you were struggling while the rest of us were merely entertained. I’m so happy you have been able to begin healing yourself🩷 Thank you for speaking up and being an advocate for other child stars.

[@abibeaux]

I am so amazed at your grace and how articulate you are while sharing deeply personal and yet universal issues. Thank you for giving voice to things that we don't always have words for. This is your calling and I hope you continue to enlighten and awaken the world. This is your gift!

[@Klutzo366]

I love these videos. It’s so easy to forget the humanity of these images we are sold. The human beings and culture involved in the entertainment industry. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I am amazed by your vulnerability. It’s definitely made me question the times I’ve participated in celebrity gossip, and made me think deeper on the bigger issues that are easy to ignore.

[@morgannenewhook6119]

Thank you for sharing your story - my jr high and high school experience was shadowed by my obsession with body imagine and weight - knowing other young girls struggled with this is really healing - I’m so happy you are at this point in your life that you can share and help others. Thank you Alison ❤❤

[@tiadavenport5465]

You are brave and very articulate with your story. I wish only the best for you moving forward.

[@kristinlynch3674]

I look forward to these episodes every Friday, thank you for your capacity to articulate your experience so thoughtfully and honestly, your vulnerability is inspiring 💜

[@demi0758]

I excitedly wait for these every week. You did a very good job of coming off humble yet confident your entire career despite what was happening I know you were always the girl, my friends and I wished we were. The humble yet confident extremely cool without trying girl. These videos are so refreshing and you are still cool! 😊

[@dena_cooper]

Appreciate your insight and reflection of your incredibly complex experience. Your voice is so powerful, it's lovely to watch you use it to bring awareness to these issues.

[@animejunkie10]

I love when stars like you get real with their struggles and share their stories. Makes me love and appreciate them even more. Relatability is something that seems lost on so many celebrities today. We WANT them to be human. And to know that you are in a better place today is amazing. *hugs* loves ya Alyson!!

[@transmaniandevil]

thank you for sharing your story, you really are changing viewers perspectives of hollywood!!

[@Acoconut1214]

Alyson im glad you were brave enough to ignore your mangement and get the help you needed. Being on the outside we don't think about what anyone in the entertainment is actually going through. This is mind opening. I modeled when I was a kid and am glad i got out before I was a teenager. It was my own choice because I missed being with my friends. But I can't imagine what I would've dealt with had I continued. I was already getting the don't eat a lot before auditions, pamplets on how to manage my weight and notes not to change my hair. So again I want to thank you for bringing this to light. It makes me think more about what you all have gone through and are going through. Showing I should be less judgemental. We are all dealing with things and we should always show more compassion to others.